Death toll in China fireworks factory blast rises to 37

08.05.2026, DPA

The death toll from an explosion at a fireworks factory in central China earlier this week has risen to 37, while one person remains missing, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Friday.

A further 51 people were being treated in hospital, including five with serious injuries, according to the report.

The blast occurred on Monday in the city of Liuyang in Hunan province, an area known as China's fireworks manufacturing hub.

Authorities said search operations at the site had largely been completed, with more than 1,500 emergency personnel deployed.

Police have summoned eight people over suspected negligence linked to the accident, CCTV reported. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

China produces much of the world's traded fireworks, but the industry has long been plagued by deadly industrial accidents. In June 2025, nine people were killed in an explosion at another fireworks factory in Hunan province.

• CCTV report, in Chinese

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